No One Will Want to Face Us Next Season

Chen Xi leaned against the doorway to his team's locker room, greeting each returning player with a look.

Then he reached out and slapped hands with them one by one.

The court was left to the Denver players, who could celebrate their victory to their hearts' content. They had earned it through their own hard work.

As for the losers, all they could do was trudge back to the locker room, pack their bags, and get ready to go fishing...

"Guys, you did great."

Only after Westbrook, the last one back, had entered the locker room did Chen Xi turn around and softly comfort his teammates.

"The game is over, and the result is final. We gave it everything we had, so remember this loss. Remember how bitter it feels. Then go enjoy your vacation. When we come back together next season, I'll be stronger, and we'll climb a new mountain together!"

Donovan still had the final stat sheet from the game clutched in his hand. At Chen Xi's words, he couldn't help feeling a little emotional.

He stepped forward and gave Chen Xi a gentle hug.

He was an outstanding team leader.

He was the one who deserved comfort most, and yet the team had let him down...

"Chris, before that, I need you to focus on your treatment and get plenty of rest. Get back to your best as soon as possible instead of rushing into grueling training."

"Don't worry, Coach. I know what I'm doing."

"Buddy, I don't think we need you to comfort us. We're fine. Right now, the person who most needs to get his head straight and get some rest is you."

Westbrook chimed in right away.

"We all saw how hard you worked to come back for the team this season. We're the